Stephan Keller relaxed as he sat back in a comfy armchair at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel and Country Club sipping a blackcurrant drink.

STEPHAN Keller relaxed as he sat back in a comfy armchair at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel and Country Club sipping a blackcurrant drink.

He looked at ease and was certainly hopeful about his Bluebirds future after a difficult few days on trial with the First Division club.

Keller, 24, flew in from his home in Switzerland earlier this week, but then City's players had Wednesday off - and bad weather yesterday ensured they could only do work in the gymnasium and swimming.

Zurich-born Keller was still determined to train - and voluntarily joined in with the reserves and youth team players.

"I wanted to get involved, to work hard," said Keller. "It would have been pointless sitting in my hotel room watching television.

"This is a difficult time for me because I have fallen out with the coach at FC Zurich and we have decided it would be better if I went out on loan for six months.

"I want to play in one of the big European football countries, but I accept that in the circumstances maybe I can't expect to step straight into the Premiership. Cardiff City offer a fantastic alternative.

"They are a big club, a progressive club and I have met the owner, Sam Hammam. He has explained his vision for the future and it sounds great."

Keller has been virtually ever-present in league and cup for Zurich so far this season, missing only one match when he was suspended, and he has captained the team.

He helped them reach the Swiss Cup semi-finals and missing that game will be his biggest regret if Cardiff City do offer him a deal to stay for the rest of the season.

"I spent 13 years with Grasshopper from when I was a junior," said Keller. "Now FC Zurich have been drawn against my old club in the semi-finals and I would have loved to play in that game."

The difficulty for Lennie Lawrence is that he must make a decision without having seen him in match action. But that balances out a little because Keller won't cost a transfer fee - and his wages would not put off the Bluebirds.